»Special Education

• Small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio
• Early field experiences to connect coursework to student teaching.
• Students may enroll in the program as either full-time or part-time students.
• Paid University Intern Credential program available (in lieu of unpaid student teaching).
• All courses are held in the later afternoon and evening to accommodate working individuals.
• Teacher candidates have the option to pursue an MA in Special Education with either (1) a single embedded Education Specialist Credential or (2) dual embedded credentials.

Special Education Courses of Study*

• Preliminary Education Specialist Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN, formerly Mild/Moderate) Credential and MA in Special Education
• Preliminary Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs (ESN, formerly Moderate/Severe ) Credential and MA in Special Education
• Dual Preliminary Education Specialist MMSN & Preliminary ESN Credentials and MA in Special Education
• Dual Preliminary Education Specialist MMSN & Preliminary Multiple Subject Credentials and MA in Special Education

• Submit an online application (for Summer start only).
• A statement of intent, the prompt can be found within the application.
• A current resume or CV. 
• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• One set of official transcripts from all institutions the applicant has received (or will be receiving) a degree from. 
• Two letters of recommendation are required. 
• Submit passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or equivalent.
• Applicants must have a minimum admission grade point average of 3.000. Applicants with an admission grade point average between 2.750 and 2.990 may be considered for admission, and if admitted, will have a hold placed on their second term’s registration. Students must be in good academic standing to continue in the program. Students whose admission grade point average is below 2.750 will not be considered for admission for the Teacher Education master’s degree programs.
• Submit passing score on, or proof of registration for, the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) applicable to their credential area or equivalent.
• $60 application fee.

For more information on Teacher Education Program requirements, please visit our designated information page. Visit Chapman's website to submit your Graduate Program application here. 

Fieldwork and Graduation Requirements:

• Teacher Education Program Requirements
• Teacher Education Admission Testing Requirements

Additional Teacher Education Fieldwork Notes:

• All candidates will participate in a minimum of 600 fieldwork / clinical practice hours across the arc of the program.  

Course Sequence (2023-2024 Graduate Catalog):

• Special Education, M.A., with Joint Preliminary Special Education Mild/Moderate and Multiple Subject Credential
• Special Education, M.A., with Preliminary Special Education Extensive Support Needs Credential
• Special Education, M.A., with Preliminary Special Education Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Credentials
• Special Education, M.A., with Preliminary Special Education Mild/Moderate Credential

Interested in Applying? 

• MA in Special Education: Apply Now!

Our teacher credential programs are grounded in research associated with best practices in teacher education and education in K-12 settings, including components for teacher education such as intense clinical experience (Darling-Hammond, 2010); video-based lesson self-evaluation (Dieker et al., 2009); action research and performance assessments (Darling-Hammond, 2006); and coursework focusing on working with English language learners (ELLs) and students with disabilities, culturally responsive pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, differentiated instruction, and assessment.

Program Director

• Trisha Sugita, Ph.D.

Full-Time Faculty

• Jennifer Kong, Ph.D.

Credentials

• Leah Klingsporn

Program Support

• Teacher Education

Fieldwork

• Stephanie Farrington

Where is Chapman University located?

Chapman University is located in the City of Orange, California, near historic Old Towne Orange. Our beautiful campus is centrally located in Orange County, a short distance from the 5, 55, 22, and 91 freeways.

When are classes held?

All classes are held in the late afternoon and evenings, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Fieldwork takes place in late afternoon during the summer or during a typical school day in fall and spring.

When is the application deadline?

Chapman admits one cohort per year to the special education teaching credential and MA in Special Education programs. See the graduate admission webpage for all Attallah College application deadlines.

What teaching programs do you offer?

Chapman offers combined master's degree and teaching credential programs in both general education (elementary and secondary) and special education. See the Teaching Credential webpage for a list of available credential programs.

Can the credential(s) I earn at Chapman be used to practice/work in any state other than California?

Chapman University offers degree programs that lead to professional licensure within the state of California, and which may also allow graduates to be eligible for licensure or certification in other states. However, other than for the state of California, Chapman has not made an independent determination as to whether its programs’ curriculum meets a particular state's educational requirements for licensure or certification. Therefore, students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the state’s licensure entity where they intend to practice to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by the state(s) of their choice. Chapman is not responsible if a student is unable to qualify for state licensure or certification.

How long does the program take to complete?

Chapman's combined MA in Special Education and Preliminary Education Specialist credential program can be completed in 18 months, full time. Chapman Education Specialist credentials are available in the areas of Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN, formerly Mild/Moderate) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN, formerly Moderate/Severe). Students may also add a second credential (MMSN or ESN) with an additional term of coursework (12 additional course credits).

Our Joint Preliminary Multiple Subject and Preliminary Education Specialist Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN, formerly Mild/Moderate) credential program is a two-year, full-time program. Teacher candidates in this program also earn an MA in Special Education.

All Chapman Special Education programs offer part-time options.

Can I enroll in a credential-only program?

No, Chapman offers combined teaching credential and master's degree programs.

What is the cost of the program?

Please visit the Tuition & Fees webpage for full details. All Attallah College graduate program applicants who submit all their materials by the program's priority deadline are automatically considered for tuition fellowships and scholarships.

Where can I find information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and grants?

Visit these webpages for more details about the cost of Chapman Teacher Education Programs as well as available scholarships and grants:

• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Attallah College Tuition Fellowships and Scholarships

A variety of state and federal grants are also available for future teachers, including the Golden State Teacher Grant, TEACH Grant, and Cal Grant. Download the State and Federal Financial Aid for Future Teachers guide for more details and links to additional resources.

Where can I mail my supporting documents?

Chapman University
Office of Graduate Admission
One University Dr.
Orange, CA 92866

How do I submit my letters of recommendation?

Your letters of recommendation will be submitted electronically through the online application. On the left-hand side of the online application, you will be asked to input the name and email address of your recommenders. They will receive an email with information on submitting your letter of recommendation electronically. We do not accept written letters of recommendation directly from the student.

What if I have a question about an admission decision?

1. Any applicant who wishes to inquire about or to appeal an admission decision made by the Master of Arts in Special Education and Education Specialist Subject programs at the Attallah College of Educational Studies may contact the program administrative assistant in writing at teachereducation@chapman.edu. If the student wishes to submit a formal written grievance, this must be received by teachereducation@chapman.edu within 10 days of admissions decision. Once the written grievance has been received, it will be forwarded to the program coordinator, who will review documentation with the admissions committee and respond in writing to the candidate.
2. If the student wishes to further grieve the response they may do so in writing to teachereducation@chapman.edu within 10 days of grievance response. At this point, the applicant's file (including candidate’s application package and review scores) will be forwarded to the program coordinator and a meeting will be arranged with the applicant to review applicant documents and program decision.
3. Should the applicant desire to file a formal grievance, a written appeal should be sent within five working days to the Associate Dean of Graduate Education or Dean. The Associate Dean or Dean will confer with the applicant and meet with the program coordinator and faculty if appropriate. Within 10 business days of meeting with the Associate Dean or Dean, the applicant will receive a formal written statement indicating the decision of the college.

How do I receive more information?

The Attallah College of Educational Studies offers monthly graduate information sessions. These sessions are great opportunities to obtain further information about the program and meet with the program coordinator.

RSVP to information sessions »

To request further information about Chapman University's Graduate Programs, please complete the form at the link below so that the Office of Graduate Admission can send you more information about life as a Panther.

Request Information »